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20th Centruy Fox presents Star Wars Trilogy: Limited Editions. Written by George Lucas, Lawrence Kasdan & Leigh Brackett, and Lawrence Kasdan & George Lucas. Running Time: 123 minutes, 124 minutes, and 134 minutes. Rated PG for sci-fi action violence. Originally released in 1977, 1980, 1983.
Directors:
George Lucas, Irvin Kerchner, and Richard Marquand
Cast:
Mark Hamill….Luke Skywalker
Harrison Ford….Han Solo
Carrie Fisher….Princess Leia
Anthony Daniels….C-3PO
Kenny Baker”¦”¦”¦.R2-D2
Peter Mayhew….Chewbacca
Alec Guinness….Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi
Billy Dee Williams….Lando Calrissian
Frank Oz….Performing Yoda (voice)
James Earl Jones….Darth Vader (voice)
David Prowse….Darth Vader
Ian McDiarmid….The Emperor
Sebastian Shaw….Anakin Skywalker
The Movie:
When Star Wars IV: A New Hope was first released in theaters way back in 1977 (then just simply titled Star Wars) it changed the lives of millions of dorks forever. Over the next couple years Empire and Jedi followed and the Star Wars Trilogy was born. This trilogy became more than just a couple movies; it became a way of life for all those who fell in love with them.
Then in 1997 exiting news came forth. George Lucas was going to re-release the films in the theater as new “Special Editions.” Star Wars fans worldwide lined up for this momentous occasion. Excitement was in the air as the 20th Century Fox logo came on the screen. Everyone cheered as John Williams memorable score started. Then Greedo shot first and the bitching began.
Again, Empire and Jedi followed and while there was nothing inherently wrong with the editions to Empire (the added footage of the Wampa was pretty cool), Jedi had many problems; such as replacing the song in Jabba’s palace with a much crappier one. All over the internet dorks began arguing as to which additions to the Special Editions were acceptable and which ones weren’t.
Then George Lucas did something to rock the dork world. He said that when he released the movies on DVD he would not be releasing the original theatrical releases, only the Special Editions. If you listened real close you could hear the sounds of millions of dorks crying out all at once.
Lucas proceeded to release the Star Wars Trilogy on DVD again, and again, and again. And every time those DVD’s were purchased “This is the last time I’m buying these!” was uttered. This was especially so when Lucas replaced actor Sebastian Shaw with Hayden Christensen as Anakin at the end of Jedi.
Now, finally, the unthinkable has happened. George Lucas has give in to fan pressure and released the original theatrical releases of this coveted Trilogy. However, in what seems like almost an act of bitterness, Lucas has only added them as a Special Features to this latest “Limited” release of the Special Editions. So with this release you get both versions of the film. You finally get to see Han shoot first on DVD.
FINAL SCORE: 10/10
The DVD:
The Video:
These films are presented widescreen 2:35:1. This is what most people want to know. How do these original theatrical releases look? Many were worried because in an act of defiance Lucas just transferred the Laser Disc versions of the films to DVD. Well, let me tell, these films look just fine. When they were remastered for the Laser Disc they looked really good. So with this transfer to DVD nothing is lost and they still look great. Maybe Lucas could have improved the films a bit with modern mastering technology but wasn’t altering the film what everyone was complaining about to begin with?
The Audio:
The films are presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround for the Special Editions and 2.0 Stereo for the Original Theatrical. Like the video each of these films sounds great. No complaints what so ever.
Extras:
Audio Commentary: Each Special Edition has the same audio commentary that’s appeared on every other release of this DVD, nothing else.
LEGO Star Wars II video game Xbox demo and trailer: As I don’t have an Xbox I couldn’t play the demo, but damn do I want to get this game.
Original Theatrical release of each film: Since technically these versions of the film are considered extras on this release, I’m listing them here. They’re also the only reason anyone is buying these films again.
The Inside Pulse
I myself have said, “I’m never buying these films again.” But Lucas has done what he always said he’d never do. Although only tacked on as “special features,” we finally get the original theatrical releases of these films. There is nothing else of interest on these discs, but the original theatrical release is more than enough to make these DVD’s a worthwhile purchase. Will they be released again in the future? Probably, next year is the 30th Anniversary so we might finally get a box set with all six films in it. But having these editions, I can’t think of anything Lucas could add to a box set to make it worthy buying.
